IllustrationWATER DEEP PUDDLE ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR FLOOR. FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR WET ALSO. *TR
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Grand Prix years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix are substantially higher than the model-year median of 88.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Grand Prix years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
820–25K
4325–50K
3550–75K
3475–100K
55100–150K
65150K+
314 reports with mileage · 140 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 107 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 98 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
46 crash reports58 fire reports33 injury reports
What owners actually said
454 reportsAT LOW SPEEDS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES COME ON AND AFFECT BRAKING. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN BACKING UP. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED AT LEAST THREE ACCIDENTS!
THE SPOUT WHERE YOU PUT OIL INTO THE ENGINE IS DIRECTLY OVER THE MANIFOLD, WHEN DRIVING THE OIL LOW LIGHT CAME ON SO WHEN PUTTING OIL INTO THE ENGINE SOME DRIPPED DOWN ONTO THE MANIFOLD CAUGHT FIRE IT IS THE 3800 V6 SERIES NON SUPERCHARGED, AFTER SPEAKING TO A LOCAL DEALER SHIP MOST MODELS HAVE A SPOUT THAT WHEN OIL IS SPILLED I…
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THE SPOUT WHERE YOU PUT OIL INTO THE ENGINE IS DIRECTLY OVER THE MANIFOLD, WHEN DRIVING THE OIL LOW LIGHT CAME ON SO WHEN PUTTING OIL INTO THE ENGINE SOME DRIPPED DOWN ONTO THE MANIFOLD CAUGHT FIRE IT IS THE 3800 V6 SERIES NON SUPERCHARGED, AFTER SPEAKING TO A LOCAL DEALER SHIP MOST MODELS HAVE A SPOUT THAT WHEN OIL IS SPILLED IT DIRECTS IT OVER THE MANIFOLD. MY VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ONE LUCKILY MY VEHICLE WAS SAVED. *TR
HAS A CLUNKING NOISE DUE TO BUSHING WEAR IN THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. *TR
DASH BOARD IS CRACKED ON RIGHT AND LEFT HAND SIDE NEAR FRONT WINDSHIELD. *TR
BACKED UP CAR OUT OF PARKING SPACE TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT KEPT SPINNING AROUND COULD NOT TURN TIRES ON CAR AND STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FELL OFF THE RACK AND PINION SHAFT. THEY TOLD ME THAT PERFORMANCE BUICK-PONTIAC-GMC OF S…
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BACKED UP CAR OUT OF PARKING SPACE TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT KEPT SPINNING AROUND COULD NOT TURN TIRES ON CAR AND STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FELL OFF THE RACK AND PINION SHAFT. THEY TOLD ME THAT PERFORMANCE BUICK-PONTIAC-GMC OF SANTA FE HAD NOT INSTALLED A PREVIOUS INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CORRECTLY,THAT IT WAS NOT INSTALLED ALL THE WAY. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THE AIR BAG COIL WAS DAMAGED WHEN STEERING WAS HYPER-EXTENDED. *TR
ABS ,TRACK LIGHT GAS CAP LIGHT START AND STALLS EVERY LIGHT NEVER STAYS RUNNING. FIXED EVERY LIGHT ON AND THEY WON'T CLEAR OFF ??? *TT
I FLIPPED MY PONTIAC GRAND PRIX A 2004 MODEL. I FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES THE CAR ENDED UP RIGHT WITH THE FRONT END IN A ROCK WALL EVERYTHING ON THE CAR WAS SMASHED IN EXCEPT WHERE I WAS SITTING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE CLICKING WAS HEARD WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THE FRAME WAS CRACKED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT ABOUT A NHTSA CA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE CLICKING WAS HEARD WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THE FRAME WAS CRACKED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT ABOUT A NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V299000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED DUE TO THE VIN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THE CLICKING NOISE HAD BECOME LOUDER AND MORE CONSISTENT. THE CONTACT MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE THE DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS 130,000.
OUR 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX HAS HAD TWO FAILURES OF THE HEATER MOTOR IN THREE YEARS. IN BOTH CASES NOXIOUS FUMES AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE DASHBOARD. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE SIGHT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD WHILE ON A BUSY INTERSTATE (WE WERE) CAN RESULT IN GREAT ANXIETY. I'M AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AN…
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OUR 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX HAS HAD TWO FAILURES OF THE HEATER MOTOR IN THREE YEARS. IN BOTH CASES NOXIOUS FUMES AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE DASHBOARD. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE SIGHT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD WHILE ON A BUSY INTERSTATE (WE WERE) CAN RESULT IN GREAT ANXIETY. I'M AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AND MY MECHANIC LET ME SEE THE PARTS. THE SMOKE CAME FROM A RESISTOR THAT IS PART OF THE SPEED CONTROL FOR THE MOTOR. IT'S A VERY POOR DESIGN, WITH HEAT FINS TO DISSIPATE THE HEAT INTO THE HEATER/AC AIR FLOW. IF THE MOTOR STARTS TO DRAG, CURRENT GOES UP AND AIRFLOW GOES DOWN, WITH THE RESULT THAT THE RESISTOR HEATS UP TO THE POINT WHERE IT PUTS SMOKE INTO THE AIR STREAM. I CONSIDER THIS EXTREMELY POOR DESIGN, AND A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. I'VE WRITTEN TO THE MANUFACTURER AND SUGGESTED A NEW DESIGN (I HATE HAVING TO RE-DESIGN THINGS DONE BY AMATEURS!). *TR
Official recalls
715V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
Oct 26, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
15V201000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Apr 6, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2003, to June 25, 2004. In the affected vehicles, the valve cover gasket may leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The leaking engine oil can drip onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14574.
14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
05V046000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
Feb 9, 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IF ONE OF THE TWO ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURN SPRINGS FAILS AND THE TEMPERATURE IS -22 DEGREES F TO -40 DEGREES F, THE ENGINE MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE WITHIN THREE SECONDS, AS REQUIRED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, GREATER BRAKE PEDAL FORCE AND A LONGER DISTANCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 8, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
04V287000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Jun 23, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH LOWER THAN SPECIFIED TORQUE ON BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPER TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS. WITH IMPROPER TORQUE, THE CLAMP LOAD AT THE JOINT MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE TO PREVENT MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE CALIPER BRACKET AND KNUCKLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DEPENDING ON WHETHER ONE OR BOTH BOLTS BACKS OUT OR FRACTURES, THE RESULT CAN BE LOCKING OF THE AFFECTED WHEEL DURING BRAKING AND AN ABRUPT STEERING INPUT IN THE DIRECTION OF THE LOCKED WHEEL, REDUCED BRAKING AND NOISE FROM THE AFFECTED WHEEL, OR SEVERING OF A BRAKE HOSE, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, AND REDUCED STEERING CONTROL. REDUCED BRAKING OR STEERING CONTROL COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO TIGHTEN BOTH BOLTS TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC 1-800-620-7668.
04V299000 · Structure:frame And Members
Jun 23, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE FRONT FRAME REAR BODY MOUNT BRACKET MAY FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF IGNORED, THE BRACKET WOULD FRACTURE AND DEGRADE TO THE POINT WHERE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT COULD SEPARATE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT FRAME ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
03V331000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Sep 12, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKING SYSTEMS." ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE FITTING MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED PROPERLY, AND A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD OCCUR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF ENOUGH FLUID LEAKS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL BE LOWER THAN NORMAL, AND STOPPING DISTANCES WILL BE LONGER. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE FITTING TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION, AND ADD BRAKE FLUID IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 28, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP05010 · Unstable Headlamps
Opened Dec 21, 2005 · Closed Apr 10, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
ODI RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. BRAD LAMB OF THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSUMERS COUNCIL, REQUESTING INVESTIGATION OF AN ALLEGED DEFECT EVIDENCED BY SHAKE OR BOUNCE OF THE HEADLAMPS ON MODEL YEAR 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES.ODI'S PREVIOUS REVIEW OF THIS ISSUE IN OCTOBER 2003, DETERMINED THAT IT DID NOT WARRANT INVESTIGATION.ODI'S CURRENT ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED 36 COMPLAINTS IN THE CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATABASE; AND A DECLINING TREND OF REPORTS WAS EVIDENT.A FEW FIELD REPORTS OF SIMILAR NATURE WERE ALSO SUBMITTED BY THE MANUFACTURER IN ITS EARLY WARNING REPORTING DATA.A SERVICE BULLETIN AND A REVISED HEADLAMP RETAINING BRACKET WERE ISSUED IN NOVEMBER 2004, AND THESE ACTIONS ARE SEEN AS APPROPRIATE IN ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM WHILE ALL OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE STILL COVERED BY THE NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY.COMPROMISE TO SAFE VEHICLE OPERATION AS A RESULT OF THIS ISSUE WAS NOT IDENTIFIED.IT IS UNLIKELY THAT INVESTIGATION WOULD RESULT IN A NHTSA ORDER FOR THE RECALL AND REMEDY OF THIS PROBLEM.